Escalate meaning in English
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Definition
(an) escalating (problem): (an) intensifying, worsening, increasing (problem)
an escalator: mechanical, automated stairs
Examples
- "He said you might be able to give me some legal advice on an escalating problem we have."
Exercise 1
Choose the best definition for each expression below.
Philip says he is "pulling his hair out". This means that he is .
When Bethany declares "Well I never!", she is expressing her upon hearing where Bruno Delavigne is taking his holiday.
Philip says "the accounts department is on my back". He means that the accounts department .
Philip talks about an "escalating problem". This means that the problem is .
Philip says he is "pulling his hair out". This means that he is .
When Bethany declares "Well I never!", she is expressing her upon hearing where Bruno Delavigne is taking his holiday.
Philip says "the accounts department is on my back". He means that the accounts department .
Philip talks about an "escalating problem". This means that the problem is .
Choose the best definition for each expression below.
Philip says he is "pulling his hair out". This means that he is worried 1.
When Bethany declares "Well I never!", she is expressing her surprise 2 upon hearing where Bruno Delavigne is taking his holiday.
Philip says "the accounts department is on my back". He means that the accounts department is pressuring him 3.
Philip talks about an "escalating problem". This means that the problem is getting worse 4.
Philip says he is "pulling his hair out". This means that he is worried 1.
When Bethany declares "Well I never!", she is expressing her surprise 2 upon hearing where Bruno Delavigne is taking his holiday.
Philip says "the accounts department is on my back". He means that the accounts department is pressuring him 3.
Philip talks about an "escalating problem". This means that the problem is getting worse 4.
1 worried: This is the best choice. The expression "to pull one's hair out" means to be very concerned, nervous, or anxious about a problem. These are the sentiments which Philip is experiencing in the dialogue. He is concerned because one of his clients will not pay him.
1 losing his hair: This is incorrect. When Philip says that "he is pulling his hair out", he is speaking figuratively, and expressing that he is concerned or worried. In this context, the expression does not indicate that Philip is literally losing his hair!
1 impatient: This is incorrect. Although it is true that Philip wants to resolve this problem quickly, "impatient" does not share the meaning of "to pull one's hair out".
1 angry: This is incorrect. Philip may be feeling "angry" (or "mad") due to the unpaid bills, but this is not what the expression "to pull one's hair out" means.
2 surprise: This is the correct answer. "Well I never!" is used as a reaction to express surprise or disbelief. It is understandable that Bethany should have this reaction, since she has just been told about Bruno's unusual holiday in Lapland. Example:
- I've decided to buy a motorbike!
- Well I never!
- I've decided to buy a motorbike!
- Well I never!
2 jealousy: This is incorrect. The expression "Well I never!" is unrelated to "jealousy". While it is possible that Bethany is "jealous" or "envious" of Bruno's activities, this is not the emotion conveyed by the expression "well I never".
2 outrage: This is incorrect. The expression "Well I never!" is unrelated to the meaning of the term "outrage". To be "outraged" is to be "horrified" or "strongly offended". This is not the emotion conveyed by the expression "well I never".
2 delight: This is incorrect. "Well I never!" is unrelated to the meaning of the term "delight". While it is possible that Bethany is "delighted" or "happy" at the thought of Bruno's activities, this is not the emotion conveyed by the expression "Well I never!".
3 is pressuring him: This is the correct answer. "I have the accounts department on my back for three unpaid invoices" is an idiomatic way of saying "the accounts department is pressuring me". The expression can be used to talk about any situation in which pressure is being applied. Example: "I've had the boss on my back for weeks because of the delayed delivery". In the dialogue, the accounts department is pressuring Philip to get his client to pay some bills.
3 is contacting him: This is incorrect. To "contact" somebody means to "get in touch" with them. This in unrelated to the meaning of the expression "(the accounts department is) on my back".
3 is mounting him: This is incorrect. To "mount" means to "climb (onto) something". This term is often used in relation to riding (a bike or a horse, for example). Examples: "Icarus mounted the horse and rode off into the sunset", "You should always mount a bicycle before you begin pedalling". Philip is speaking figuratively when he says "I have the accounts department on my back".
3 is reprimanding him: This is incorrect. To "reprimand" someone is to "criticise" them, particularly in a formal context. There is no suggestion in the conversation that the accounts department is reprimanding Philip.
4 getting worse: This is the correct answer. In this context, to "escalate" means to increase in intensity or seriousness. In this instance, Philip is expressing that his legal problem is becoming worse, or intensifying.
4 interesting: This is an incorrect choice. The term "interesting" is not a synonym of "escalating". An "interesting (situation)" is one which is exciting, engaging, or stimulating.
4 serious: This is an incorrect choice. Although Philip is talking about a serious problem, the term "serious" is not synonymous with "escalating". The term "serious" does not convey the fact that the problem is intensifying, or becoming more serious.
4 unique: This is an incorrect choice. The term "unique" is not a synonym of "escalating". A "unique (situation)" is "one of a kind" or has "no equal".
Exercise 2
Edward is in an elevator. From the list below, select the synonym of "elevator".
Edward is in an elevator. From the list below, select the synonym of "elevator".
This is not correct. A "cable car" is a box pulled along through the air or up steep hills with the help of a cable or thick wire. This does not share the same meaning with "elevator".
This is not correct. A "pulley" is a very simple machine used for lifting goods with rope and a wheel. They are not used for carrying humans!
"Lift" is the best choice here. The term "elevator" is used in the US, whereas the UK term is "lift". They both describe a box which travels up and down a shaft or tunnel, used for transporting people or objects from one end to the other.
This is not correct. An "escalator" is a moving staircase. This does not share the same meaning with "elevator", although the two can serve a similar purpose.
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